Boatshed Number One

About Boatshed Number One

Boatshed Number One occupies a lively Little Street waterfront position in Forster, combining marina berths and moorings with houseboat holidays, small-boat hire and easy access to Wallis Lake. It is a more varied operation than the name first suggests. Local owners can enquire about keeping a boat close to the lake entrance, while visitors can step into boating through a houseboat, runabout, barbecue party boat, kayak or paddleboard. We think that accessibility is its defining strength.

The operator advertises both short- and long-term marina berths, power and water by arrangement, swing moorings and pump-out support. It also promotes on-call mechanical help, stainless-steel fabrication and fibreglass repairs, backed by security systems using thermal cameras. Those services give the site a useful working dimension: it is not only a rental counter, and berth holders can discuss practical care for their vessel without immediately leaving the Forster waterfront.

For holiday crews, the houseboat programme opens a relaxed way to experience Wallis Lake. The operator offers 33-foot and 45-foot houseboats, with the larger vessel accommodating groups of up to ten, as well as guided or captain-supported options for guests who want additional confidence. Clear kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and day boats add shorter adventures. Dolphins, birdlife, fishing and sheltered anchorages are central to the experience, with shops and restaurants accessible around the waterway.

What stands out to us is the ability to match very different levels of boating experience. A local owner may simply need a berth and maintenance contact; a family can choose a houseboat holiday; a first-time visitor can hire a paddleboard for an hour. Staff provide local guidance, but Wallis Lake still requires attention to weather, shallow areas, tides and the operator’s nominated routes. Houseboat departure and return times must be coordinated, and hirers should understand fuel, waste and anchoring responsibilities before leaving.

Our take is that Boatshed Number One is strongest as a friendly boating hub rather than a conventional rows-of-pontoons marina. Its combination of storage, marine support and hire experiences makes the waterfront feel active and welcoming. Owners should confirm current berth dimensions and availability, while holiday crews should book early and listen closely to the handover briefing. Done well, a stay here can turn Forster from a place viewed from shore into a genuine on-water experience.

Services

Boatshed Number One advertises short- and long-term marina berths, swing moorings, power and water by arrangement, pump-out facilities and security monitoring. The operator also lists access to on-call mechanics, stainless-steel fabrication, fibreglass repair and other marine support. Berth numbers and maximum vessel dimensions are not published, so owners should enquire with complete length, beam, draft and utility requirements.

The hire fleet includes 33-foot and 45-foot houseboats, runabouts, barbecue party boats, kayaks, clear kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Houseboat guests receive an operating handover, and captain-supported options may be available. Fuel, bait and ice are provided or managed through the business under current hire conditions, while nearby public parking and Forster’s shops support trip preparation. Advance reservations are sensible during holidays and warm-weather weekends.

Before booking, confirm berth availability, security access, parking, power and water charges, pump-out arrangements and the scope of any repair quote. Hire customers should review bonds, navigation limits, return times, refuelling, rubbish disposal and bad-weather procedures. The operator’s guidance is essential, particularly for crews unfamiliar with Wallis Lake’s shallow sections and changing conditions.

Ideal for

Forster boat owners needing a berth or mooring, families planning a Wallis Lake houseboat holiday, and visitors wanting accessible day-boat or paddlecraft hire. It suits both experienced owners and newcomers who value hands-on local guidance.

What we love

• A waterfront operation that welcomes both boat owners and first-time hirers.
• Short- and long-term berths alongside swing-mooring options.
• Houseboats, runabouts, party boats, kayaks and paddleboards in one place.
• Practical pump-out, repair contacts and modern security support.
• Immediate access to the wildlife, fishing and relaxed pace of Wallis Lake.

To keep in mind

Berth inventory and vessel limits require direct confirmation. Houseboat crews must follow the operator’s navigation, anchoring and return instructions and understand bond conditions. Wallis Lake contains shallow water, so local guidance and conservative route planning remain important.